He said it’s reasonable for the county to expect the municipalities to “share that burden.”

Boyles said he’s talked to residents and has been “somewhat surprised” to hear cautious support for the gas tax hike. Many residents have said they want to see a “defined benefit” for the increase and know exactly how the revenue would be spent, he said.

“We have to be willing to tackle this issue, and this is one way to get there,” Boyles said.

If the board decides to levy the remaining 5 cents, it would have to be approved by July 1 to take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Commissioners also agreed to send letters to the heads of local gas and electric utilities about charging a franchise fee to use county rights of way.

He said it’s reasonable for the county to expect the municipalities to “share that burden.”

Boyles said he’s talked to residents and has been “somewhat surprised” to hear cautious support for the gas tax hike. Many residents have said they want to see a “defined benefit” for the increase and know exactly how the revenue would be spent, he said.

“We have to be willing to tackle this issue, and this is one way to get there,” Boyles said.

If the board decides to levy the remaining 5 cents, it would have to be approved by July 1 to take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Commissioners also agreed to send letters to the heads of local gas and electric utilities about charging a franchise fee to use county rights of way.